Your guide to Latin American travel and culture
Destination ideas, traveler stories, and more.
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No matter where you go in Latin America, there are a few constants: the food is unforgettable, the outdoor adventures could fuel a lifetime of travels, and the welcome is as warm as it gets, especially if you're reconnecting with family or exploring your roots.
If you're looking to plan a dream trip to Machu Picchu, take a cruise through the Amazon, or dive deeper into the Dominican Republic’s adventurous side, you’ve come to the right place. Hungry? We’ve also got intel on Peruvian chifa, Miami's iconic Cuban fare, and Latin America's extensive hot-dog scene. Wanna dance your way from Uruguay to Honduras, learning the difference between milonga and forró as you go? We’ve got you covered.
Whether you've got three days or three weeks, you can get started planning below by exploring the diversity of Latin America—and its far-reaching diaspora around the world.
Culture comes to life
Get a hands-on history lesson
Learn a dance or visit an iconic neighbourhood
Experience Afro-Latin American culture
Must-try restaurants, museums, and more
And now, let’s eat
Grab a plate and raise a glass
From street food faves to mezcal
Eat your way through Miami's Little Havana
From rich coffee to cigar shops to nights filled with salsa dancing, Little Havana has provided a colourful tapestry of Cuban life since the 1950s. I have called South Florida home for 25 years, and never tire of exploring here. Much of Little Havana runs along Calle Ocho, making it easy to see the neighbourhood in one food and fun packed day.
Cafe Versailles368Begin with a jolt of Cuban coffee. You’ll find plenty of ventanitas, extensions to coffee shops providing quick access to caffeine, and Cuban pastries like guava and cheese. Cafe Versailles is a frequent pitstop for politicians and celebrities, and for a good reason: there’s strong coffee, flaky pastries, and an atmosphere thick with cultural pride. Cuban coffee is typically made with heaps of sugar, so be sure to request yours “sin azucar” for no sugar, or, like I do, “con poca azucar,” if you like it a little bit sweet.
Maximo Gómez Park5Cigars are big in Cuban culture, so it’s no surprise to find a string of cigar shops in Little Havana. El Titan de Bronze offers a variety of premium cigars. Another favourite is Cuba Tobacco Cigar Co., a family-owned business founded by Don Bello in Las Villas, Cuba in 1896. After stocking up, head to Maximo Gomez Park (Domino Park to locals), the meeting spot for heated rounds of domino playing and conversation.
Sanguich De Miami147For lunch, nothing beats a Cuban sandwich (roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard) on a hot-pressed Cuban baguette. My go-to spot is Sanguich de Miami because everything—right down to the pickles— is made from scratch.
Azucar Ice Cream Factory464For dessert, head to Azucar Ice Cream Company. Flavours are not only exceptional, they’re a crash course in Cuban culinary culture. My favourite is Abuela Maria—an addictive blend of guava paste, cream cheese, and crumbled cookies. Cafe con leche and platano maduro (sweet plantain) hit the spot as well.
Tower Theater19I take my ice cream for a stroll to check out the area’s street murals portraying everything from the Cuban flag to “Queen of Salsa” Celia Cruz. They’re a good lead in to the area’s thriving art scene. Visit The Futurama Building, which houses 12 galleries, and check out Tower Theatre, a historic film house once used to help immigrants learn English that now serves as a cultural hub.
La Carreta1,230After my art tour, I’ve usually built up an appetite again, which is important since Cuban cuisine is tasty and arrives in portions fit for a growing teenage boy. At La Carreta, dishes are piled high with meat classics like vaca frita (crisply cooked shredded beef) and my choice, picadillo (ground beef cooked with raisins and olives) paired with sweet plantains, rice, and black beans.
Ball & Chain651Dinner and dancing more your thing? Ball & Chain, a staple since 1930, can’t be beat—there’s live music playing all day and night that will literally make it impossible not to move your feet. And trust me, you don’t want to leave without trying the classic rum and mint mojito.
Make your bookings now
Snag a table at a Michelin-starred spot
Sip some Chilean wine
All the best vineyards and tours
Fresh air and epic views
Bring on the oohs and aahs
Natural wonders you need to see to believe
The Dominican Republic you don’t know
Hikes, river rafting—there’s more beyond the resorts.
Feel the rush in Panama
Experiences to get your adrenaline going
Where to go next
Three days? No problem.
Plan the perfect long weekend
9 must-visit spots in Montevideo, Uruguay
South America’s most low-key capital city is always worth a visit—I’m not just saying that because I’m Uruguayan and used to live in Montevideo’s Punta Carretas neighbourhood. In the estuary-front city, you’ll find the longest continuous sidewalk in the world, beaches along the ocean-like Río de la Plata, fascinating museums, memorable restaurants, and so much more. Here are my favourites.
Lola Méndez, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Museo del Gaucho y de la Moneda288Set in the historic Ciudad Vieja neighbourhood, this is one of my favourite museums, as it’s so undeniably Uruguayan. Here, cowboys and ranchers are known as gauchos; there’s traditional gaucho clothing on display, complete with decorative bombillas (perforated straws) used to drink mate, a traditional loose-leaf caffeinated beverage. The building itself is an architectural gem with sweeping views.
Botanico Cafe1Speaking of mate, it may be the caffeinated drink of choice in Uruguay but it’s not something you’ll find in most cafes. Instead, grab coffee at my favourite neighbourhood spot, Botanico. Surrounded by plants—many of which are for sale—it’s a great place to start the day. You’ll also find plant-based milk and vegan alfajor cookies.
Parque Rodo2,323One of Montevideo’s most beautiful parks is located right in the city centre near the Rambla—the longest continuous sidewalk in the world. Around the holidays, vendors sell gifts here, but there’s plenty to do year-round: admire the lush greenery, snap photos of the Castillo del Parque Rodó, take pedal boats out on Rodo Park Lake, and more.
Playa Malvin48Although the Atlantic Ocean doesn’t reach Montevideo, the Río de la Plata—the widest river in the world—creates a beach-like environment. Playa Malvín is my favourite, offering views of the tiny palm-tree-lined Isla de las Gaviotas (Seagull Island). Because this stretch of sand is farther from the river mouth, the water is clearer than some other local beaches.
Museo del Azulejo80I always feel drawn to tile-work when I travel, and I can never resist a visit to this tiny (free!) museum, where I’m always mesmerised by the hand-painted tiles from around the world. You’ll see Uruguayan designs that you may recognise as you explore the city, including those at the Museum of Juan Zorrilla of San Martin.
El Berretín585Everyone can find something to enjoy here (take it from me: I’m vegan). Plant-based food isn’t the norm in Uruguay, especially not in a parrilla restaurant, but at El Berretín, you’ll find a vegan menu in addition to more typical fare. Carnivores will love the grilled meats; veg-centric diners can sample ñoquis, a potato-based pasta that’s typically eaten on the 29th of each month for Dia de los Ñoquis.
Inmigrantes31The best place in the city for an elevated cocktail, this spot is always packed inside. But don’t fret—the best seats are actually on the sidewalk, where you can people-watch as you sip your expertly made concoction. I always go for the namesake cocktail, which is made with gin, dry rosé vermouth, lemon juice, and ginger.
Feria de Tristan Narvaja824Most Uruguayans buy produce from weekly fresh food markets, called ferias. But the largest market—where you can buy almost anything—is held on Sundays at the Feria de Tristan Narvaja. From home goods to clothing to plants, there’s a stall for absolutely everything your heart desires. Be careful: Pickpocketing is an issue, so keep your valuables close.
Teatro Solis6,274Treat yourself to a show at the historic Teatro Solís, the main theatre in Uruguay. I saw a Beethoven symphony here for my birthday a few years ago and cherished the experience. Be sure to arrive early to admire the ornate building, which dates back to 1856—the ceiling and chandelier are stunning. And if you can’t make a performance, there are also daytime tours.
Spots to shop, snack, and stay
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